One year ago tonight, I was reading Bennett his nightly stories for the last time as my only child. I was crying as I tucked him in, not knowing how a sister might change our relationship. Those last few weeks of my pregnancy were bittersweet in that regard. No doubt, I was hormonal and emotional.

It was raining, and though the timeline looked uncertain, I was pretty sure that was the night. I had been in triage just hours earlier, it could be any minute. By 1am, all doubts were gone, and we were leaving our warm house and heading to the hospital. Nerves were jumping and contractions were rolling. That was a car ride I won't ever forget. She would be born at 9:43 the next morning. All the anticipation, all the dreaming, all the apprehension, the wait- over. Here she was-my beautiful baby girl. I cried so hard when I finally had her in my arms. She was perfect. 8lbs 10 ounces, 19 inches long. That hospital stay was pure bliss. I would do it a hundred more times.

My Colette has been the sweetest gift to our family. My little bestie, a sweet little sister, a Daddy's girl. Calm, feminine, gentle. She is the perfect compliment to our boy. We all adore her. My fears about the future siblings quickly dissipated. I've watched them form a sibling bond over the last year and share giggles and toys, and make each other cry. It's been incredible.

Our baby girl is still nursing and loving it. She's quite attached to me, and I don't mind at all. When she needs her Mama, everybody knows it. She's a little chatterbox, babbling all the time. Standing on her own and getting around the room is no problem, but she still hasn't taken steps. We are in no rush. She spends a lot of her time on my hip, with her arm slung around my shoulder. That's right where she belongs if you ask her!

It's been a wonderful year for our family, and a wonderful first year for a darling girl.